Capital Projects V Renewal Projects

The difference between Capital Projects and Renewal Projects

New capital projects and renewal projects both involve investing in community assets, but they serve different purposes. New capital projects create something new or significantly upgrade what already exists. This might include building a new community facility, constructing a new road or path, or adding new infrastructure that responds to growth, changing needs, or new service demands. These projects increase the number or capacity of Council assets.

Renewal projects, on the other hand, focus on maintaining and replacing existing assets to their original standard so they remain safe, reliable and fit for purpose. This can include replacing roofs, upgrading ageing playground equipment, or renewing drainage infrastructure. Renewal does not add new assets; it extends the life of what the community already has and helps avoid more costly repairs or failures in the future. Renewal is different to general maintenance, which has it's own budget allocation and covers things like plumbing and electrical.

Together, new capital and renewal investment help Council balance improving services and facilities while also looking after the assets the community relies on every day.